Morticians earned a median salary of $54,330 per year in 2010 and require only an associate degree and apprenticeship for training. But being a mortician also requires specific skills -- only some of which are taught in mortician-training programs. Before embarking on a career as a mortician, see if you possess the right skill set.

Scientific Skills

Morticians need to have strong scientific skills. This includes a general knowledge of science, including chemistry, microbiology and anatomy. It also includes specific scientific skills used by morticians, such as embalming and restorative arts. These skills are taught to morticians when they complete a mortuary-science program approved by the The American Board of Funeral Service Education.

Interpersonal Skills

Morticians interact with people who have lost a friend, family member or another loved one. They need to have excellent interpersonal skills to deal with this. They need to be able to explain funeral options to grieving people without upsetting them. This requires patience and compassion. Morticians must understand the pain that people are going through and be able to give them space when they need it and guidance when necessary.

Business Skills

Many morticians take on the responsibility of running a funeral home. This means that beyond caring for bodies, morticians can be responsible for the business end of a funeral home. Because of this, morticians need to have sound business skills. Basic business skills like small-business management, bookkeeping and computer skills are taught as part of American Board of Funeral Service Education-approved programs.

Counseling Skills

Morticians are not professional counselors, but they deal with distraught people who may cry out for help. When morticians complete their American Board of Funeral Service Education-approved program, they receive psychology of grief and bereavement-counseling training. This allows morticians to help people get through tough moments in the grieving process.